Airport Express won't reset to factory settings

Question

Level 2

175 points

Airport Express won't reset to factory settings

Bought an Apple Express (2G) to extend the wireless in my house. Because it was used, it still had the previous owners settings.

Consulted Apple Support docs (https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1613/en_US/airport_express_80211n_ 2nd_gen_setup_guide.pdf) for instructions on how to reset.

I just cannot get this device reset to original factory settings -- has anyone else had this experience?

There are three levels of reset - soft, hard and factory. I've tried all of them. The factory reset instructions are very hard to execute - basically you need three or four hands!!

The device now has a steady green light on it. Using Airport Utility, the device shows up with the old device name, but clicking on the shaded icon in Airport Utility gives me the option to Forget the device.

The factory reset attempts that I've tried did seem to follow the instructions in the manual (above) - the amber light came on and flashed. But then it settled down to a steady green light and won't let me in to set the device.

What else can I try to reset this thing to original/factory defaults so that I can set it up on my network?

Thanks

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.3), 24GB, 2TB

Posted on Jul 15, 2017 7:28 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,742 points

Jul 15, 2017 7:59 AM in response to David King1

When you reset the AirPort Express back to default settings.......it will NOT show up in AirPort Utility......because it is not set up yet. In other words, AirPort Utility will only display devices that have been set up and configured.

Click on the WiFi menu on your Mac

Look for a setting of New AirPort Base Station

Click on AirPort Express

If the Express is operating correctly, a setup "wizard" will open up and guide you through the setup of the AirPort Express.

Once the AirPort Express has been set up and configured with new settings.......then.......it will appear when you open AirPort Utility

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Answer 2

David King1 Author

Level 2

175 points

Jul 15, 2017 2:47 PM in response to Bob Timmons

This is where I was: How to reset your AirPort base station - Apple Support

Many thanks for your help, Bob. I wasted innumerable hours on trying to get that thing fixed!

Your solution took me less than a quarter of an hour!

Much appreciate the help.

Cheers

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,742 points

Jul 15, 2017 7:34 AM in response to David King1

Sorry, but you likely have a defective AirPort Express.

As a last resort, try a Hard Reset.....because it is easier to do....and basically accomplishes the same thing as a Factory Default Reset.

Power up the Express for a minute or two

Hold in the reset button on the device for 7-8 seconds

Release the reset button and allow a full minute for the Express to restart

You want to see a slow, blinking amber light at this point.

If the Express continues to go to green after a few more tries, the Express is defective.

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Answer 4

David King1 Author

Level 2

175 points

Jul 15, 2017 7:40 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks, Bob.

Appreciate your taking the time to help.

I am getting the slow blinking amber light.

Should I wait and see what happens next?

The device is not showing up in the Utility ... but I guess the light has to settle down to something.

Again, I do appreciate the help.

Cheers

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Answer 5

Bob Timmons

Level 10

188,742 points

Jul 15, 2017 8:01 AM in response to David King1

Not sure what manual you are referring to. Here is what my AirPort Express manual says:

If you’re using Mac OS X, you can use the Wi-Fi status menu in the menu bar to choose your AirPort Express. When you choose it, AirPort Utility opens to set up your AirPort Express.

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